FEC code and code rate selection based on packet size

Abstract

Techniques for encoding and decoding data are described. In an aspect, multiple code rates for a forward error correction (FEC) code may be supported, and a suitable code rate may be selected based on packet size. A transmitter may obtain at least one threshold to use for code rate selection, determine a packet size to use for data transmission, and select a code rate from among the multiple code rates based on the packet size and the at least one threshold. In another aspect, multiple FEC codes of different types (e.g., Turbo, LDPC, and convolutional codes) may be supported, and a suitable FEC code may be selected based on packet size. The transmitter may obtain at least one threshold to use for FEC code selection and may select an FEC code from among the multiple FEC codes based on the packet size and the at least one threshold.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. An apparatus for communication, comprising:
 at least one processor configured to determine a packet size to use for data transmission, and to select a forward error correction (FEC) code from among a plurality of FEC codes based on the packet size; and 
 a memory coupled to the at least one processor; 
 wherein the plurality of FEC codes comprise a convolutional code and a Turbo code, and wherein the at least one processor is configured to select the convolutional code if the packet size is less than or equal to a first threshold, and to select the Turbo code if the packet size is greater than the first threshold and less than or equal to a second threshold. 
 
     
     
       2. The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of FEC codes further comprise a low density parity check (LDPC) code, and wherein the at least one processor is configured to select the LDPC code if the packet size is greater than the second threshold. 
     
     
       3. A method for communication, comprising:
 determining a packet size to use for data transmission; and 
 selecting a forward error correction (FEC) code from among a plurality of FEC codes based on the packet size; 
 wherein the plurality of FEC codes comprise a convolutional code and a Turbo code, and wherein the selecting the FEC code comprises
 selecting the convolutional code if the packet size is less than or equal to a first threshold, and 
 selecting the Turbo code if the packet size is greater than the first threshold and less than or equal to a second threshold. 
 
 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 3 , wherein the plurality of FEC codes further comprise a low density parity check (LDPC) code, and wherein the selecting the FEC code further comprises selecting the LDPC code if the packet size is greater than the second threshold. 
     
     
       5. An apparatus for communication, comprising:
 means for determining a packet size to use for data transmission; and 
 means for selecting a forward error correction (FEC) code from among a plurality of FEC codes based on the packet size; 
 wherein the plurality of FEC codes comprise a convolutional code and a Turbo code, and wherein the means for selecting the FEC code comprises means for selecting the convolutional code if the packet size is less than or equal to a first threshold, and means for selecting the Turbo code if the packet size is greater than the first threshold and less than or equal to a second threshold. 
 
     
     
       6. The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the plurality of FEC codes further comprise a low density parity check (LDPC) code, and wherein the means for selecting the FEC code further comprises means for selecting the LDPC code if the packet size is greater than the second threshold. 
     
     
       7. A computer device, comprising:
 a computer-readable medium comprising:
 code for causing at least one computer to determine a packet size to use for data transmission; and 
 code for causing the at least one computer to select a forward error correction (FEC) code from among a plurality of FEC codes based on the packet size; 
 
 wherein the plurality of FEC codes comprise a convolutional code and a Turbo code, and wherein the code for selecting the FEC code comprises code for selecting the convolutional code if the packet size is less than or equal to a first threshold, and code for selecting the Turbo code if the packet size is greater than the first threshold and less than or equal to a second threshold. 
 
     
     
       8. The computer device of  claim 7 , wherein the plurality of FEC codes further comprise a low density parity check (LDPC) code, and wherein the code for selecting the FEC code further comprises code for selecting the LDPC code if the packet size is greater than the second threshold.